The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) is set to make history on October 16, 2025, with an unprecedented opening show by the internationally renowned British brand and fashion house, Vivienne Westwood.
This will be the first time an international fashion house has been officially welcomed onto the Riyadh Fashion Week schedule, signalling a major step forward in the fashion event's evolution from a purely local showcase to a global fashion platform.
For the first time ever, the funky British brand Vivienne Westwood will show a collection in the Middle East. The British label, known for its unconventional designs, Vivienne Westwood will present a selection of pieces featuring designs hand-embroidered by Saudi artisans. Using traditional techniques, the craftsmen bring her modern designs to life. The collection highlights local skill while giving Saudi talent international attention.
What can we expect from the Vivienne Westwood fashion show?
The CEO of Vivienne Westwood, Carlo D'Amario recently discussed his plans for the show with fashion-industry trade journal WWD (Women's Wear Daily), and said: “We are working on a special collection of embroidered gowns, a result of the union of the expertise of our couture team and the craftsmanship of local artisans — a concrete way to promote local traditions through an international perspective.”
This year's edition, in particular, the opening show will be the first time that an international fashion labels has joined Riyadh Fashion Week's calendar. It is expected that the first ever Middle Eastern Vivienne Fashion runway show will combine new Spring/Summer 2026 pieces alongside a selection of archival designs, showcasing the brands growth throughout the years. However, the true highlight of this runway show will be a limited-edition capsule collection of embroidered gowns created in collaboration with the Saudi institution Art of Heritage.
For Vivienne Westwood, this Riyadh Fashion Week debut will focus on craft, heritage, and sustainability. Working with local artisans highlights the skill behind traditional embroidery and keeps these techniques relevant today. The collaboration reflects appreciation to artistry, and bold design, while also showing how contemporary fashion and traditional craft can exist together on the same stage.
Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 - What to expect
This year's edition marks just the third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week taking over the city.
Fashion lovers, its time to mark your calendars as from October 16 - 21, the city will become a hub for high-fashion and local curators. The now annual event is organised by the Fashion Commission, part of the Ministry of Culture.
This edition of Riyadh Fashion Week will include more than twenty-five runway shows and about 12 designer presentations, and showrooms that will feature several designers, allowing both local and international participants to share ideas and experiences. Opening the first day along Vivienne Westwood are several much-loved, local, Saudi brands Tima Abid, Adnan Akbar, and Atelier Hekayat.
Riyadh Fashion Week 2025
October 16-21
Click here to view the calendar
@riyadhfashionweek @viviennewestwood
@fashionmoc @artofheritage
